North Lynn residents plead for help to beat the thieves

Residents of a North Lynn estate have demanded action to stop thieves from repeatedly targeting their homes and gardens.

People living in Devonshire Court believe their properties are seen as soft targets by criminals as many of the occupants are either elderly or disabled.

Devonshire Court residents Paul Hewitt, left, and Andy Dent have had enough of being targeted by thieves

And, although police say they are stepping up patrols in the area, they claim the authorities are not doing enough to help them.

Andy Dent, who suffers from emphysema and requires 24-hour oxygen, said he has had his property targeted three times in as many weeks.

He is now considering installing his own CCTV camera, which would cost around £300, in a bid to deter the raiders.

Mr Dent said: “It’s getting to the stage now where you can’t have things outside the front of your house.”

His daughter Kate added: “We rang the council to see if they’ll put a camera in, but nobody’s interested.”

Neighbour Paul Hewitt, whose garden has also been targeted by thieves, said it was the time spent making gardens look good, rather than the financial value of the items lost, that made the thefts particularly distressing.

Mr Dent added: “That’s our pride and joy. If they’re coming in and stealing stuff, you’re not going to do anything.”

Police say three thefts have been recorded from gardens in Devonshire Court, overnight on May 23 and 24, overnight on May 25 and 26 and on June 7. Garden furniture and stone ornaments were taken in the incidents.